Jorrel Camuyong, Co-Director
Music has always been a part of Jorrel’s life. As a child, his grandparents always had music in the home: grandpa would play the drums, and grandma would sing and encourage him to find his own voice. He started taking piano lessons at the age of 10, and continued to develop his voice singing in church and enjoying karaoke with the family. His passion for singing grew through his involvement in many choirs during his youth including Winnipeg School Division Honour choirs, and Provincial Honour choirs. After high school, Jorrel continued to foster his love of choir singing with the University of Winnipeg Downtown Vocal Jazz, SonoLux, and Ecco Singers.
A graduate of University of Winnipeg, Jorrel holds a Bachelor of Education with a major in musical theatre. He has done work on musical productions with Winnipeg Studio Theatre and Stage 16, and on multiple school productions. He developed and directed the vocal jazz and choirs at Chief Peguis Middle School while working as a classroom teacher. Currently, Jorrel is the director of the Winnipeg Youth Chorus Junior. He is involved with the Manitoba Choral Association, sitting on both the Provincial Honour Choir and Choralfest committees.
Jorrel has always been empowered by the ability music has to bring people together through collective breath. He is very excited for the opportunity to work with a friend and colleague he met while singing in choir, and is looking forward to making beautiful, meaningful music with Ecco Singers.
Roberta Velarde, Co-Director
Roberta’s love for choir began by singing with her cousins in the dining room at the family farm, and while on road trips when her dad would ask her to teach him to harmonize. She was actively involved in many musical events in the Interlake region including church choirs, music teams, productions, and choir at Stonewall Collegiate. Roberta grew up participating in the Rockwood Festival of Arts, and fondly remembers singing for adjudicators that would one day adjudicate her own choirs.
After singing with Ecco Singers for almost a decade, Roberta is excited to share the role as artistic director, working together with long-time friend and colleague, Jorrel. Currently, Roberta is completing her Master in Music (Choral Conducting) at the University of Manitoba. Roberta graduated with a Bachelor of Music/Bachelor of Education from Brandon University and holds a Post-Baccalaureate Diploma in Education from the University of Winnipeg. She has been building the choir family at West Kildonan Collegiate since 2014 teaching choir, vocal jazz, chamber choir, musical production, inclusive music, and piano. She has been invited to be a guest conductor and clinician at various choral events around Manitoba including the Westman Youth Choir (2023), ChoralFest Travelling Adjudicator (2024), Central Manitoba Choral Association’s High School Choir Workshop (2018), Da Capo Conference (2018) and has served on the Manitoba Choral Association board.
Roberta believes that singing is a powerful tool that can connect and strengthen communities. When not working with choirs, Roberta loves spending time with her husband, and son, and is thankful to have their support at many concerts and performances.
Katie Erickson, Accompanist
Katie is a Winnipeg-born pianist with extensive training, including a Bachelor of Music from the University of Manitoba’s Faculty of Music, a Grade 10 certificate from the Royal Conservatory of Music (accompanied by a silver medal), and participation in various festivals and masterclasses.
Katie discovered her love for accompanying at age 7 when she was allowed to play ‘O Canada’ at a school assembly. Since then, she has actively pursued every opportunity to play for others. Based in Winnipeg, Katie is an in-demand pianist who has also had the chance to perform across North America and Europe. Always up for a challenge, Katie has accompanied all ages and abilities, including the Winnipeg Youth Chorus (2011–2023), the Royal Winnipeg Ballet (2012–present), and the Winnipeg Male Chorus (2014–2024). Her experience spans soloists, musicals, auditions, festivals, weddings, and more. She finds joy in watching music’s impact on audiences of all ages—from 5 to 95!
When not performing, Katie enjoys time with her husband, Andrew, and daughter, Olivia.
